Relaxing on the beach, picnicking in the shade, watching the sunset or diving and jumping acrobatically off the rocks, young and old came together to mark the occasion.

Some donned T-shirts with the slogan, “Saved the Cove, Jump the Rock,” while beachgoers signed colorful messages of thanks on newly donated picnic tables.

The event was originally scheduled as a protest against plans for a condo complex on the northern part of the property. But a groundswell of public opinion against the project prompted government to step in and negotiate to buy the land from the developer, who agreed to withdraw the plans.

Morne Botes, who started the Save the Cove group and helped gather more than 3,000 signatures protesting the plans in the week after they were made public, was among those taking a celebratory jump off the rocks, which were within the boundaries of the private developer’s land.

“It is just perfect. This was going to be a protest but now it is a celebration,” he said.

Mr. Botes said he visits the cove every Friday with his children and was concerned that access and the sunset views for all beachgoers would have been impacted by the development.

Taura Ebanks, another vocal advocate in the swift campaign, said she was overwhelmed by the number of people who had turned out to express what the beach meant to them.

Vanessa and Jordan Johnson make their own tribute to Smith Cove.

“When I imagined what today would be like, I imagined it just like this, with everyone just doing what they always do and enjoying the beach, but being grateful and aware of what we have.

“We have got this beautiful cove and it is safe for everyone to enjoy as they have been doing for generations.”

Gabriella Hernandez, a supporter of environmental causes who also joined the celebration, said it was heartening to see public pressure make such an instant impact.

“This is one of the most frequented, picturesque and valued areas of Cayman, and I believe that the public opinion was something that contributed to the swift movement on this matter,” she said. “I am really happy that the community came together and that government listened.

“I hope now we can continue in this process and put proper protections in place so that it can’t fall back into private hands and that it really is preserved for the people for generations to come.”

1 COMMENT

We would like to thank the Compass Reporter, James Whittaker who came out on Saturday. We had a great day. We would like to thank the Family in Webster’s Estate who donated the benches and Art Nest Community who came out and painted them. Thank you to all the families that came out to enjoy the beach. Sunday morning at 5:30 we had volunteers come and help clean up the beach. Around 50 kids and parents from Purple Dragon Martial Arts and Academy Sports club showed up. We had water donated by neighbours and refuse bags and cloves. First Class Construction also sent an truck and driver to take all the rubbish to the dump. Again we appreciate all the help from the media and community, together our voices was heard and we “Saved the Cove”. Thank you to Ruaneik Whyte who is on the beach today to seal and varnish the benches so that everyone can enjoy them for many seasons to come. Visit our FB page Saved the Cove to follow updates as we follow the progress of the government on purchasing the land.